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I'm a low-income, first generation student and am seeking career mentorship. Where do I start?
I am a community college student interested in working at a bank as a financial advisor. My community college does not have the resources to help me so I don't know where to start.
8 answers
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Cassandra, you have asked an excellent question and gotten terrific advice already. A few other thoughts:
- There are resources for first-generation students outside your community college; see links below (and there are more)
- The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors has a link for internships - see link below
- If no one in your local bank branch (if there is one) can help you with internships, go to the bank's website. Larger companies with have a Careers page with a tab either for Internships or Early Career
- Minority owned banks or credit unions might be particularly interested in helping first-generation students - the last link below shows minority owned banks by state
Good luck!
Collective Success - https://www.collectivesuccess.org/resources
Rise First - https://risefirst.org/resources/resource-directory
NAPFA --https://www.napfa.org/careers
Minority-owned banks - https://www.investopedia.com/black-owned-banks-by-state-5024944
- There are resources for first-generation students outside your community college; see links below (and there are more)
- The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors has a link for internships - see link below
- If no one in your local bank branch (if there is one) can help you with internships, go to the bank's website. Larger companies with have a Careers page with a tab either for Internships or Early Career
- Minority owned banks or credit unions might be particularly interested in helping first-generation students - the last link below shows minority owned banks by state
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Anika’s Answer
Hi Cassandra,
Finding career mentorship and resources can be challenging, but there are several steps and resources you can utilize to start your journey toward becoming a financial advisor:
Steps to Finding Career Mentorship and Resources
Utilize Online Resources:
LinkedIn:
Create a professional LinkedIn profile. Connect with professionals in the finance industry, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions.
Use LinkedIn’s job search feature to find entry-level positions and internships.
Professional Organizations:
Join organizations like the Financial Planning Association (FPA) or the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). They often offer student memberships, mentorship programs, and networking events.
Leverage Community Resources:
Local Nonprofits and Community Centers:
Look for local nonprofits that focus on education and career development for low-income or first-generation students. Organizations like Junior Achievement or local community centers may offer resources or connections to mentors.
Public Libraries:
Many public libraries offer career workshops, resume building sessions, and access to job search databases.
Seek Out College Resources:
Career Services:
Even if your community college has limited resources, visit the career services office for any available guidance, workshops, or job fairs.
Professors and Advisors:
Talk to your professors and academic advisors. They may have connections in the finance industry or can provide guidance on finding internships and job opportunities.
Explore Financial Institutions:
Local Banks and Credit Unions:
Visit local banks and credit unions. Many have internship programs or entry-level positions that can provide you with relevant experience.
Online Job Boards:
Use job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Handshake to search for internships or entry-level positions in banking and finance.
Apply for Scholarships and Programs:
Scholarships:
Look for scholarships specifically for first-generation and low-income students. Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com can help you find opportunities.
Mentorship Programs:
Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, America Needs You, or iMentor focus on providing mentorship to first-generation college students.
Good luck on your journey!
Finding career mentorship and resources can be challenging, but there are several steps and resources you can utilize to start your journey toward becoming a financial advisor:
Steps to Finding Career Mentorship and Resources
Utilize Online Resources:
LinkedIn:
Create a professional LinkedIn profile. Connect with professionals in the finance industry, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions.
Use LinkedIn’s job search feature to find entry-level positions and internships.
Professional Organizations:
Join organizations like the Financial Planning Association (FPA) or the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). They often offer student memberships, mentorship programs, and networking events.
Leverage Community Resources:
Local Nonprofits and Community Centers:
Look for local nonprofits that focus on education and career development for low-income or first-generation students. Organizations like Junior Achievement or local community centers may offer resources or connections to mentors.
Public Libraries:
Many public libraries offer career workshops, resume building sessions, and access to job search databases.
Seek Out College Resources:
Career Services:
Even if your community college has limited resources, visit the career services office for any available guidance, workshops, or job fairs.
Professors and Advisors:
Talk to your professors and academic advisors. They may have connections in the finance industry or can provide guidance on finding internships and job opportunities.
Explore Financial Institutions:
Local Banks and Credit Unions:
Visit local banks and credit unions. Many have internship programs or entry-level positions that can provide you with relevant experience.
Online Job Boards:
Use job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Handshake to search for internships or entry-level positions in banking and finance.
Apply for Scholarships and Programs:
Scholarships:
Look for scholarships specifically for first-generation and low-income students. Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com can help you find opportunities.
Mentorship Programs:
Programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, America Needs You, or iMentor focus on providing mentorship to first-generation college students.
Good luck on your journey!
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hello Cassandra,
Take the first step towards your bright future by connecting with mentors on platforms like LinkedIn, or through professional networks in your local area. Keep an eye out for financial experts who might be open to sharing their insights through an informational interview or responding to your queries via email. Associations like NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) can be a goldmine of professional contacts. Don't forget to tap into the resources provided by the FPA, such as student memberships and mentorship programs.
Your local banks and credit unions could be the stepping stones to your career in finance, offering opportunities for internships or job shadowing. There's a wealth of diversity and inclusion programs specifically designed to propel the success of first-generation and low-income students like you. Make sure to explore these programs.
Finally, remember that there are numerous scholarships and financial aids available that are tailored to your specific field of interest and background. These can significantly lighten the financial load of your education. So, plunge in, explore, and make the most of these opportunities. You're on the path to success!
Take the first step towards your bright future by connecting with mentors on platforms like LinkedIn, or through professional networks in your local area. Keep an eye out for financial experts who might be open to sharing their insights through an informational interview or responding to your queries via email. Associations like NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) can be a goldmine of professional contacts. Don't forget to tap into the resources provided by the FPA, such as student memberships and mentorship programs.
Your local banks and credit unions could be the stepping stones to your career in finance, offering opportunities for internships or job shadowing. There's a wealth of diversity and inclusion programs specifically designed to propel the success of first-generation and low-income students like you. Make sure to explore these programs.
Finally, remember that there are numerous scholarships and financial aids available that are tailored to your specific field of interest and background. These can significantly lighten the financial load of your education. So, plunge in, explore, and make the most of these opportunities. You're on the path to success!
Updated
Ji Sun’s Answer
Hello Cassandra,
Here are some suggestions as to where you can start:
1. Does your college have a career center? If so, check out it out because they often have resources, workshops, and connections with alumni who might be interested in mentoring students.
2. Is there a faculty advisor(s) you can go to? They can provide guidance and may connect you with professionals in your field of interest.
3. You can also look for professional associations related to your field. Many offer special memberships for students, and they can be a great way to meet mentors and learn about your industry.
4. Networking events and seminars are a great place to look as well. See if you college hosts any related to your field or job fairs in general. These events can be great opportunities to meet potential mentors, landing that internship.
Here are some suggestions as to where you can start:
1. Does your college have a career center? If so, check out it out because they often have resources, workshops, and connections with alumni who might be interested in mentoring students.
2. Is there a faculty advisor(s) you can go to? They can provide guidance and may connect you with professionals in your field of interest.
3. You can also look for professional associations related to your field. Many offer special memberships for students, and they can be a great way to meet mentors and learn about your industry.
4. Networking events and seminars are a great place to look as well. See if you college hosts any related to your field or job fairs in general. These events can be great opportunities to meet potential mentors, landing that internship.
Updated
Doris’s Answer
Hello Cassandra - I encourage you to explore external programs that are designed to provide the support you need.
Here are a couple of excellent options I recommend you consider:
- Check out the Fellows Program at https://americaneedsyou.org/fellows-program/. It could be just what you're looking for!
- Also, take a glance at https://www.mindsmatter.org/. It's another fantastic resource that might be of great help to you.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Here are a couple of excellent options I recommend you consider:
- Check out the Fellows Program at https://americaneedsyou.org/fellows-program/. It could be just what you're looking for!
- Also, take a glance at https://www.mindsmatter.org/. It's another fantastic resource that might be of great help to you.
Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Updated
lachee’s Answer
You have several options to get valuable experience while a full time student.
You can use apps like handshake to look for internships or assistantship in your major. These can be paid or unpaid. Unpaid internships are more available than paid internships. You. Can also volunteer or shadow someone. Each of these will help you network and add to your resume.
Have good night.
LPayne
You can use apps like handshake to look for internships or assistantship in your major. These can be paid or unpaid. Unpaid internships are more available than paid internships. You. Can also volunteer or shadow someone. Each of these will help you network and add to your resume.
Have good night.
LPayne
Updated
Roel’s Answer
Hello Cassandra,
Career Village is an excellent starting point for you. This platform allows you to receive valuable advice from a diverse range of individuals. Given that your college might lack certain resources, I strongly encourage you to take initiative and explore opportunities on your own. A fantastic platform to consider is LinkedIn. They host a variety of groups tailored to different career paths, where you can potentially connect with individuals who can provide insightful career advice. Remember, it's crucial to share your interests with those around you, as they might be able to introduce you to individuals who could serve as great mentors. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your career goals.
Career Village is an excellent starting point for you. This platform allows you to receive valuable advice from a diverse range of individuals. Given that your college might lack certain resources, I strongly encourage you to take initiative and explore opportunities on your own. A fantastic platform to consider is LinkedIn. They host a variety of groups tailored to different career paths, where you can potentially connect with individuals who can provide insightful career advice. Remember, it's crucial to share your interests with those around you, as they might be able to introduce you to individuals who could serve as great mentors. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and remember, every step you take is bringing you closer to your career goals.
Updated
Drew’s Answer
Please look into the following three programs:
Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars program https://www.seo-usa.org/
Year up https://www.yearup.org/
Inroads https://inroads.org/
They are all designed to help with internships and career advice.
Good luck!
Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars program https://www.seo-usa.org/
Year up https://www.yearup.org/
Inroads https://inroads.org/
They are all designed to help with internships and career advice.
Good luck!
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